What is the primary purpose of key management in cryptography?

The primary purpose of key management in cryptography is to manage and secure cryptographic keys. In cryptographic systems, keys are essential for encrypting and decrypting data, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of information. Proper key management involves various processes including key generation, storage, distribution, rotation, and destruction, ensuring that keys remain secure throughout their lifecycle. By efficiently managing keys, organizations can mitigate risks such as unauthorized access, key compromise, and data breaches. Effective key management is crucial for maintaining the overall security of cryptographic systems and, therefore, securing sensitive information effectively.

The other options, while related to security and data transmission, do not encapsulate the essential functions of key management. Generating network connections is part of network management, securing communication networks relates to broader cybersecurity practices, and encoding sensitive information is part of the encryption process itself, not specifically tied to key management.